carved pierced illustrated

carved pierced illustrated

she spoke triple-edged razor blades—

her eyes—needles for tattoos or acupuncture—

opening me—piercing me—indelible—

burying words and looks and rainbowed illustrations—

under the skin—to the bone—

of my territorial casting—my hook—

a rod and reel for catching—

pulling into my realm—from water—

throwing back with feathered discretion—

yes—always more fish—i think—

always more fish—more fish—

for my tackle box of lures—

all man-made of plastic—and tied—

tiny aquatic peacocks—dancing

at my wrist’s command—

a carved, pierced, illustrated man

alone—at the end of my dock